Hey KET Fam– I’m Kendra McKinnon and I thrilled to be a guest writer on our blog today! I am a wife to my husband, Kevin, and a mom of four. I have two boys and two girls, ages 11, 8, 6, and 4, so I’ve gained quite a bit of experience traveling with a larger family over the past several years. I love every minute of it. I love the planning, the packing, the traveling, and the destination. I wanted to use the knowledge I’d gained through my experiences to help others create stress free vacations. So, in 2019 I did some internet searching and applied to become a travel agent. I wanted to give others everything they need at their fingertips to make their vacation planning seamless. It brings me so much joy to see families and friends step away from their day to day lives to enjoy the moments together on vacation.
Today I wanted to share with all of you what it might look like for your and your family to sail with Royal Caribbean on the Independence of the Seas. One of my favorite things about Royal Caribbean is that it’s the ultimate vacation for multigenerational families. My very first Royal Caribbean cruise I went on at age 4 was with my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins (14 of us total). My family and I tend to travel in large groups with my extended family quite often even today, and Royal Caribbean cruises have something for every age group. Everyone gets to spend time together, but they also have the option to make their cruise their own by doing activities, dining, and excursions that best suit them. They choose their own vacation experiences while still getting to be a part of other family members’ preferred vacation experiences, too!
I was able to experience it first hand while cruising with Royal Caribbean in October of 2023 on Independence of the Seas. This ship made it so easy to create a vacation that allowed everyone in the group to be happy. Adventure seeking and relaxation are both achievable goals when sailing with Royal Caribbean. They are known in the cruise industry by Travel Weekly for being the best cruise line and having the best destinations. With more than 270 destinations, award winning private destinations, and a huge fleet of ships you can create the ultimate vacation. But let’s get to the details…
The Ship
Independence of the Seas is part of the Freedom Class of ships. The cruise line has six classes of ships. The ship was part of the “Royal Amplified” program and underwent a $900 million refurbishment in 2018. A lot of Royal Caribbean’s ships have been a part of this program. This refurbishment took this ship up a few notches with new dining options, new lounges, water slides, and a kids’ aqua park. I think they did a fantastic job with the layout of the ship. It was so easy to navigate, and they have interactive maps next to the elevators to help you locate anything you’re looking for. I stayed in a Balcony room on the back of the ship, and the views were amazing! This ship offers activities and excitement for every age guest which makes Independence of the Seas and other Royal Caribbean cruises perfect for multigenerational family vacations. The ship offers youth clubs, entertainment, and activities, but it also offers adult only pools, lounges, restaurants, and bars. The ship has traditional dining in the main dining room with theme nights including a formal night as well as speciality dining restaurants and the buffet.
Included with your cruise fare:
- Meals in three main dining rooms, the Windjammer Marketplace, Sorrento’s Pizzeria and snacks at Cafe Promenade; continental breakfast room service
- Most activities including Ice Skating
- Kids Clubs (unless it’s late night)
- Use of water slides, mini golf, SkyPad, Flowrider, and rock climbing wall
- Use of the gym (not fitness classes)
- Shows in the main theater
Things that cost money that you may want to consider adding on:
- Internet
- Beverage packages
- Speciality Dining Packages
- Photo Package
- Shore Excursions
- Spa and Salon Treatments
- Gratuities
- Room service (other than continental breakfast)
Itinerary
My Independence of the Seas cruise sailed out of Port Canaveral, Florida, which is conveniently located near Orlando. This port gives guests the opportunity to do a pre or post stay at their favorite theme parks such as Walt Disney World or Universal in the Orlando area. My cruise included stops at Nassau, Bahamas and Royal Caribbean’s private island, CocoCay. You can use your Royal Caribbean app to add excursions to your vacation at any destination during your cruise. Excursions include everything from locally-taught culinary classes to snorkeling and scuba diving, to catamarans and more.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
CocoCay was my favorite stop during my cruise. Royal Caribbean has done an exceptional job accommodating every single guest that sets foot on the island. If you’re looking for the thrills, it’s got them. You can buy a day pass to the Thrill Waterpark. If you want the ultimate day of relaxation, there are several different beaches to choose from including the brand new, adults only, Hideaway Beach. If it’s in your budget I highly recommend the exclusive Coco Beach Club if you’re looking for an elevated experience. It has the quietest beach on the entire island and its own infinity pool overlooking the ocean. You’ll also get upgraded dining at the Club House. Most of the food on the island is included with your cruise fare, and if you purchased a beverage package it can be used on the island as well. My fellow travel agent friends and I grabbed some lounge chairs at South Beach right across from the floating tiki bar and soaked up the sun, white sand, and blue water. I can’t wait to go back again. Another way you can take your day at CocoCay up a level is by renting a cabana. One option is to rent one at the Thrill Waterpark which includes water park admission for up to 6 people. This gives the adults and the kiddos the best of both worlds: chill and thrill.
No matter what experience you’re looking for, no matter what destination you want to go to, everyone can make the most of their vacation on a Royal Caribbean cruise. There are itineraries that fit your needs, ports conveniently located, room sizes that accommodate your group perfectly, dining options to satisfy your taste buds, activities, entertainment, and ways to relax that make your vacation unforgettable. Independence of the Seas was tailored to appeal to every age group. I am excited to experience more ships and itineraries with my family and to learn more for my clients’ vacations!
Interested in getting a quote for your upcoming Royal Caribbean Cruise? Use the link below and I would be more than happy to help you and your family plan every detail!
If you can dream it, we can plan it
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